From an award-winning author and illustrator comes this picture book biography about beloved librarian and storyteller Augusta Braxton Baker, the first Black coordinator of children’s services at all branches of the New York Public Library.
Before Augusta Braxton Baker became a storyteller, she was an excellent story listener. Her grandmother brought stories like Br’er Rabbit and Arthur and Excalibur to life, teaching young Augusta that when there’s a will, there’s always a way. When she grew up, Mrs. Baker began telling her own fantastical stories to children at the 135th Street branch of the New York Public Library in Harlem. But she noticed that there were hardly any books at the library featuring Black people in respectful, uplifting ways. Thus began her journey of championing books, writers, librarians, and teachers centering Black stories, educating and inspiring future acclaimed authors like Audre Lorde and James Baldwin along the way.
As Mrs. Baker herself put it: “Children of all ages want to hear stories. Select well, prepare well and then go forth and just tell.”
Time line. Citations. Author's note. Photographs. Full-color
illustrations created with mixed media collage, acrylics, and
artist pens.
Title alpha Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller
Category Biography Elementary Plus
Pages Count 40
Genre Nonfiction
Topics Augusta Baker (1911-1998). New York Public Library. Children's librarians. African American women librarians. Storytellers. Harlem, New York City.
Lexile AD1050L
Trim Size 11" x 8 1/2"
JLG Span Spring
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2024-01-29
JLG Release Date Apr 2024
Minimum grade 1
Maximum grade 4
Reading level Elementary
Format Print
Biography Elementary Plus (Grades 1-4)
Biography Elementary Plus
Biography Elementary Plus (Grades 1-4)
For Grades 1-4
This 14 book collections offers beginning readers fascinating biographies and compelling personal stories that provide a view into history or perspective on the issues of our times.